VASVU

The VASVU is a programme for international students who want to study a Dutch bachelor or pre-master programme but cannot be admitted directly. The Vrije Universiteit is the only university in the Netherlands with such a complete preparatory programme.

Please note: we are unable to apply for a visa or residence permit on your behalf if you are following a preparatory year before applying for a Bachelor's programme. This means that, if you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you must already be in possession of a residence permit in order to begin the VASVU year.

The VASVU prepares you for the admission examinations of the university. The programme takes a full academic year and has four terms of ten weeks from early September until early July. If your level of education is sufficient, you may start later in the academic year.

You can only be admitted if you already have a basic understanding of Dutch, as all courses are taught in Dutch. To be admitted to VASVU you have to live permanently in the Netherlands, or come from a country of the EU/EEA (European Economic Area). It is almost impossible to enrol in this preparatory year if you depend on a study visa or MVV.

Admission examinations for degree programmes
For almost all faculties of the university, you have to sit admission examinations for the subjects Dutch, English and mathematics. Depending on your degree programme, you may also have to sit examinations for biology, chemistry or physics (science programmes) or history (other programmes). Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers special courses for foreign students in these obligatory subjects so you can prepare yourself properly for the entrance examinations.

Extra activities
The VASVU is more than just a preparation for the admission examinations. During the classes, there is attention for various aspects of studying at a university. There are also meetings with former students, educational excursions and information days of the university.

Intake tests for the VASVU
If you are interested, please come to one of the information sessions or one of the consultation sessions. We will then invite you for the intake tests in the subjects Dutch, English and mathematics. And, if applicable, for chemistry and physics.